When the pandemic began, many hoped that Apple would bring Touch ID back to its latest iPhones as Face ID proved to be less effective in a mask-wearing world. When the iPhone 12 came, it became apparent that we may all have to wait until the iPhone 13 to get such a feature.
Well, another year has come and gone and, according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, it does not appear that this year is the year either.
In the latest Power On newsletter, Gurman does acknowledge that the company has been testing displays that could bring Touch ID back to the higher-end iPhone models. However, the reporter casts doubt that they will ever come back to the latest and greatest from Cupertino.
Gurman goes even further to say that Touch ID might never come back to the flagship iPhone and that the company will continue to focus on improving its Face ID technology instead.
Gurman believes that the future of authentication on the iPhone will be one of two options:
- Face ID on the company’s lower-end phones as is (think of the iPhone SE)
- Face ID built right into the display of the company’s flagship phones (think the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Pro)
“While Apple had tested in-screen Touch ID for the next flagship iPhones, it won’t make the cut this year. I believe Apple is all-in on Face ID for its higher-end iPhones and its long-term goal is to implement Face ID in the display itself.”
So, while some may have hoped for Touch ID to grace the display of the iPhone 13 lineup, it appears that we may have to wait…forever.
That said, Apple has made some notable improvements to using Face ID with a mask. In addition to more quickly prompting for a passcode when a mask is detected, the company has also added the ability to unlock the phone if you are wearing your Apple Watch.
Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone 13 lineup at a virtual event in September. The company is also anticipated to release a new iPad, Apple Watch Series 7, and 3rd generation AirPods.